Manly Work out

With Leah gone and a new work schedule my diet has faced some challenges. Come to think of it, no matter what kind of a routine you think you're in, your diet is always challenged. Before it was fighting the temptation to eat out for lunch or stop and grab a snack, so I would have to pack snacks and things for work. Now I have my healthy kitchen on hand so I can only eat fat-free, lo cal stuff and the challenge is not to eat too much. And as always, there's the CL and eating out with friends challenges. Also, Leah will not be back on the workout track till later this week, I'm sure. I have been on my own on that front. I have stuck with it really well.

Saturday- Monday I did Jillian videos and went for long runs in the neighborhood. At Mom's house on Monday, I worked out in her (my) room on the treadmill and did as many of the aerobic movements as I could remember while I jammed out to Beyonce. Then yesterday I did Brian and Bowie's workout which was a bitch! They weight train hardcore and their "warm up" is like an intense workout for me. My arms are going to be ripped if I keep this up. I was bench pressing and doing kick backs, pull ups, push ups, abs, "30s," and other stuff. It was rough. On top of that, we ran 1.5 miles there and back for a total of over 3 miles up and down hills. Killer! Needless to say, my arms are KILLING me today. No, actually it's my pecs. Great! That means perky lady parts :). haha. I'm going to stick with their hardcore workouts whenever I can. Today Bowie is training us on legs. He's an ex Marine so he knows Jillian's workouts plus some- and harder stuff. He is a rough trainer too, doesn't take "I can't" for an answer. I liked working out with Brian. It's fun having something to do together. He's encouraging and spots me on my weights. However he did make me feel weak when it came to lifting. I kicked their asses on the floor workouts. Crunches, please. I can do those all day. But I'll get stronger and show them! Some girls are afraid to bulk up from manly workouts, but I read this article by SparkPeople this morning that makes me want to build even more-

http://www.sparkpeople.com/community/ask_the_experts.asp?q=54

Last night we went to dinner at Pluckers and drank green drinks. I had two martinis to reward myself for a hard workout. At dinner all the girls, including tiny little Brandice (who has been wanting to get in shape) told me how thin I looked. Bowie's wife, Brooke, said she wants to know my secret and I look so great. So Lindsey and I gave her the Jillian speeches. Recruitment numer: 4! Haha. We're really selling Jillian's books. I think we need a cut of the profit. j/k But the main thing I stress to people who ask me how I do it is- LIFESTYLE CHANGE. Not just a diet- a real change. Throw away the bad food in the kitchen, replace it with whole-wheat, no sugar added, fat free everything! Throw away your salty seasonings and replace them with no-salt-added Mrs. Dash seasonings. There are so many things about my life that have changed drastically and I'm not even at my goal weight. So far, my food, clothes, relationships, time management and social life have changed. I like that I crave my workouts every day and that I crave healthy snacks, that I don't need extra salt on everything and that I can be creative with my foods and still enjoy them. I like that Brian is semi on the health train with me. He eats what we have in the house and works out more now. It feels great that I have inspired others.

Not done. Still must lose 12 lbs. I weighed in at 137 this morning- amazingly. I credit my crazy workout and stick-to-it attitude. And my lovely support group. 125 ... here I come! This is the longest I have stayed on track and I want to make it a permanent change- for all the reasons listed to the left :).

Keep up the good work Mom- I'm so proud! How did the Hayne's look? Are they on track, too? Did they pass the cheesey potatoes? We will drop jaws this Christmas, no doubt.